US Expands Social Media Vetting, Halts Student Visa Appointments Across Asia

The Trump administration has increased scrutiny on social media posts of international students, particularly targeting South Korean and Irish students applying for or holding US student visas. This heightened vetting process has led to a pause in scheduling new visa interviews for student and exchange visitor applicants, raising concerns about potential delays in starting academic programs. Agencies and travel companies have advised students to delete or avoid posting any content that might be viewed unfavorably by US authorities, including material perceived as extreme or controversial. South Korean students, the third-largest group of international students in the US, are especially affected, with warnings to avoid posts depicting weapons or other sensitive imagery. Indian universities have also responded to rising global scrutiny by instituting formal social media guidelines to help students manage their digital footprints responsibly. The overall measures reflect a broader hardline immigration agenda aimed at stricter enforcement and deportations based on online behavior.